After all, how does it feel to play meaty roles?
It’s great for any actor to be able to play different roles that have depth and layered character which is very satisfying and I am very glad that I get to do that. I hope to continue to do so.
Which film or performance was a game changer for you?
I don’t know whether one film is a game changer for you or not because you have to keep reinventing yourself. My journey has always been one step upwards with one film at a time.
Did you already know that you probably have to cast specific actresses opposite big stars before you can be in a position to choose?
I don’t look at it that way because I feel I got good roles even in my roles with big stars, be it Runway 34 or De De Pyaar De. Ajay Devgn I also had important roles in my films with Allu Arjun, Jr. NTR or Ram Charan in Sir or South. There were some films in which the roles were not very big, but still, it was an important part of the plot and I would not like to deny that those films gave me a lot.
What Attracts You To I Love You?
What attracted me the most was the script of I Love You. When I was narrating the story, I loved it and thought that Satya’s character is very strong and resilient and every girl should have Satya. It was the vision and story of the film that attracted me towards the film.
OTT releases are risk free in terms of box office numbers. But are there other pressures or risks?
You cannot deny that there will be pressure or anxiety or butterflies on an actor before the release whether it is a theatrical release or an OTT release. You want people to like your movies. You want critics to appreciate your films. You can’t take that pressure away. And to be honest, box office is an added advantage and numbers speak but I believe if audience likes your work then sooner or later you will find that niche for yourself. Box office numbers are not in our hands. Recently, some of the creditable films didn’t perform in huge numbers due to some reasons. But this does not reduce the credibility of the film. I don’t look at box office numbers that way. I hope people like my film.
Choosing a good film is more important than just playing the lead, don’t you agree?
I think it is important to choose a good film whether you are in the lead role or you are cast opposite any hero. You cannot be a hero in every film. And it is important to do all kinds of cinema because the audience is different. After all, I am the one who is happy to be a part of a good story even if I am not the main protagonist. As long as the story is good and it reaches people because every film plays a different role in your popularity and standing as an actor and at the end of the day, you should be a part of a good film. Now whether you drive the narrative or you are part of the narrative is something you play with permutations and combinations.
Today’s celebs are happy to have their relationships in the public eye. How comfortable are you with this?
I’m comfortable with it that’s why I talked about it. I guess there is nothing wrong with that because we are all adults and we are in 2023. Why should someone’s personal life affect their professional life? If it doesn’t matter to men why not to women?
Do you think stars should keep some secrets about themselves to bring the audience back to the theatres?
I think a lot of exposure on social media tells a lot inside the lives of actors. A little is good, but too much is not needed, which has not happened before. But at the end of the day, the reason why the audience is not coming back to the theaters is not because of social media or the mystery surrounding the stars. This is due to many other factors. It is also because of the changing pattern of lifestyle, everyone has gone through covid, money is tight, price is expensive, and availability of watching those movies at home in few weeks. But some films have seen success as people are getting back to their lives and normal ways of life. Living a normal life always takes time. I think a good story will bring the audience to the theatres. That’s it.